Description (from cover):'Your God. Your Country. Your Kin. Who do you betray?
1563: Anyone could be a suspect; any Catholic could be accused of plotting against the throne. Clarenceux keeps his head down and his religion quiet. But when a friend desperately pleads with Clarenceux to hide a manuscript for him, he is drawn into a web of treachery and conspiracy he may never untangle. Is there no refuge if your faith is your enemy?
Bestselling author Dr. Ian Mortimer, writing as James Forrester, has crafted a chilling, brilliant story that re-imagines how the explosive mix of faith and fear can tear a country apart. Sacred Treason tells a thrilling story of murder, betrayal, and loyalty--and the power of the written word.'
My thoughts:
This book should come with a warning. If you are reading this one late at night and you have to go to work or do something equally important the next day, then bypass this book completely. It was impossible to put down as the story was so intense. The story starts out a little confusing as the author does not provide the reader with all of the details and you're left trying to put all the pieces together as you are reading this book. It drove me nuts a little bit, but it was an enjoyable experience having to patiently wait for the author to reveal his secrets at the correct time. I didn't skip ahead and I was sorely tempted, so I am proud of myself for accomplishing that little feat.
Clarenceux is an employee of the crown as a herald. He embraces the old religion, but does so secretly. He causes no concern for alarm and he is just your average gentleman in Elizabethan London. That is until one of his friends entrusts him with a treasonous manuscript that literally turns his life upside down. He goes from being an upstanding citizen to being a fugitive on the run for treasonous plotting against the Queen. One day he wakes up and his life is perfect and by the end of the night everything is chaos.
I loved this book because it was like a historical thriller along the lines of Dan Brown. It is heavy on religion and historical detail, but it packs a punch and will leave you hanging on for the ride. I will admit there were some scenes in this book that were a little too gory for the likes of me, but overall, I can look over that minor detail. A great read if you are looking for some action in your historical fiction. Great characters, great plot and I loved the ending and how it leaves it wide open for the sequel. Getting started on that one right now.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Title: Sacred Treason
Author: James Forrester
Series: Clarenceux Trilogy #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Pages: 480
Genre: Historical Fiction
Get It: Amazon; Barnes & Noble
Disclaimer: This book was purchased by myself and I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
